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Salers

The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese. The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures. Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor. Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.

Draped in its dark volcanic stone and crowned with heavy slate roofs, Salers is a sentinel of the Haute-Auvergne region, perched above the Maronne Valley. Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," this former administrative and judicial center on the Cantal highlands seems to have frozen time in the 16th century. Between the austere elegance of its mansions, the excellence of its gourmet local produce, and the wild splendor of the volcanoes that embrace it, Salers offers a complete immersion in the soul of timeless France.

Lava architecture – A city of black stone and slate

Salers' visual identity captivates visitors upon arrival. The village is built entirely of basalt, a dark volcanic stone that lends the town a unique character, both austere and incredibly prestigious.

Place Tyssandier-d'Escous: This is the beating heart of Salers. Surrounded by elegant townhouses with dark facades, this central square is adorned with the statue of the agronomist who established the local cattle breed's reputation. It's the ideal starting point to soak up the medieval atmosphere.

Renaissance Townhouses: Salers abounds with residences of the lesser legal gentry of the 16th century. Don't miss the Maison des Templiers (which houses the local history museum), the Hôtel de la Ronade with its corbelled turret, or the Maison de Bertrandy with its finely sculpted mullioned windows.

The Fortified Gates: Remains of the old 15th-century ramparts built during the Hundred Years' War, the Belfry Gate and the Martille Gate majestically frame the accesses to the old town and recall the defensive past of the city.

The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese. The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures. Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor. Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.
The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese. The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures. Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor. Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.
The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese. The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures. Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor. Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.

The treasures of Saint Matthew's Church

The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese. The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures. Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor. Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.

While the exterior of Salers impresses with its austere, mineral character, the parish church of Saint-Mathieu, rebuilt at the end of the 15th century, conceals within its walls masterpieces of unexpected delicacy.

The Entombment (1495): This is the village's absolute treasure. This polychrome stone sculpture, composed of nine life-size figures surrounding the body of Christ, is a masterful work of late Gothic art. The expressions on their faces and the drapery of their garments are strikingly realistic.

The Aubusson Tapestries: The church houses splendid 17th-century tapestries depicting biblical scenes. Their miraculously preserved colors warm the atmosphere of the Gothic nave.

Sacred Art and Furnishings: Between the sculpted pulpit, the gilded wooden statues and the grand organ, the building testifies to the fervor and wealth of the rich families of magistrates who governed the city under the Old Regime.

The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese. The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures. Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor. Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.

The cow and the cheese – The red gold of Salers

The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese.

The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures.

Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor.

Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.

The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese. The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures. Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor. Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.

Local cuisine and sweet treats from Cantal

After strolling through the cobbled streets, the village's inns and taverns invite you to memorable culinary stops where the generosity of the Auvergne region is on full display.

Truffade and Pounti: The Salers region's cuisine showcases hearty specialties. Truffade (a dish of sautéed, mashed potatoes bound with fresh Cantal cheese) rivals pounti, a sweet and savory cake with herbs, pork, and prunes.

Salers Squares: For those with a sweet tooth, this pure butter shortbread biscuit, perfectly crisp and golden brown from the oven, follows an unchanged traditional recipe. Enjoyed with a coffee, it's the essential afternoon treat.

Meats of Character: Salers beef, renowned for its juiciness, marbling and pronounced flavor, is on the menu of all the good restaurants in the village, generally cooked simply to appreciate all its nobility.

The name Salers resonates with gourmets far beyond its city walls. It refers to both an iconic breed of cow and an exceptional cheese. The Salers Cow: Instantly recognizable by its mahogany coat, curly hair, and large lyre-shaped horns, the Salers cow is the emblem of the region. Rustic yet elegant, it is an integral part of the Cantal summer pastures. Salers PDO Cheese: This Protected Designation of Origin cheese is a treasure of the terroir. Made only from April 15th to November 15th, when the cows graze on the fresh mountain grass, it is produced exclusively in a gerle (a wooden container) which gives it its characteristic floral and woody flavor. Gentian Liqueur: Made from the roots of the great yellow gentian that grows on the volcanoes of Auvergne, this bittersweet aperitif liqueur is a source of local pride. A visit to the Maison de la Salers is essential to unlock all the secrets of its production.

Escape to the Peaks – Panoramas of the Volcanoes Park

Built at an altitude of 950 meters, Salers is a terrace overlooking the vast landscapes of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park.

The Barrouze Esplanade: Located at the edge of the village, this suspended walkway offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Maronne and Aspre valleys and the peaks of the Cantal mountains. It's the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the wooded hills.

Puy Mary (Grand Site de France): Located about thirty minutes from the village via the spectacular Pas de Peyrol road, this pyramid-shaped volcano rises to 1,783 meters. Climbing it offers a 360-degree panorama of the largest stratovolcano in Europe.

Summer Pasture Hikes: All around Salers, countless hiking trails (GR400 in particular) allow you to walk among the herds, cross mountain passes and discover the burons, these old isolated stone huts where shepherds used to make cheese during the summer.

Conclusion

Salers is much more than just a village in the Auvergne: it's a fortress of emotions and traditions. Its stark black stone, softened by the beauty of its slate roofs and the warmth of its rustic cuisine, leaves an indelible mark on the traveler's mind. By achieving a perfect harmony between the majesty of its Renaissance architecture and the immensity of its volcanic landscape, this town of Salers stands out as an essential stop for anyone seeking to experience the raw authenticity and wild beauty of central France.

Salers Country Tourist Office

Information Regarding Visuals: This website uses computer-generated images and illustrations created by artificial intelligence for atmospheric and stylistic purposes. These representations are not actual photographs and are strictly non-binding.

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